Where to find your Windows version right now

The fastest way is to press the Windows key and the letter R at the same time, type winver, and press Enter. A window will pop up showing your Windows version, your build number, and when your system was installed. Write down the version number — it will be 10, 11, or possibly 7 or 8.1 if your computer is older.

If that does not work, or if you want a second method, you can go to Settings instead. Click the Windows icon in the bottom left, then Settings (the gear icon), then System, then About. Scroll down and you will see "Windows specifications" with your version listed as the first item.

Both methods take less than a minute and require no downloads or restarts. Your version number matters because Microsoft stops sending security updates to older versions — knowing which one you have tells you whether your computer is still receiving patches when new threats appear.

Key Takeaways

  • Press Windows key + R, type winver, and press Enter to see your version when ready in a pop-up window.
  • You can also find your version in Settings > System > About if the first method does not work.
  • Windows 10 and 11 are currently receiving security updates; older versions like Windows 7 and 8.1 no longer receive patches.
  • Your build number (the longer number shown alongside your version) tells you how recent your last update was.

What the version number actually means

Windows version numbers are not random. Windows 10 and Windows 11 are the two versions Microsoft actively supports with security patches. If your computer shows version 10 or 11, you are on a system that receives regular updates when vulnerabilities are discovered.

If your version is 7, 8, or 8.1, your computer stopped receiving security updates years ago. That does not mean it will break tomorrow, but it does mean that when a new threat emerges, Microsoft will not patch it. This is the single biggest reason to know your version — it tells you whether you are still in the protection window.

The build number (shown as a longer number like 22621 or 19045) is less important for your purposes. It tells you which specific update you are on, but you do not need to memorize it. What matters is the version number itself.

Understanding the About page in Settings

If you use the Settings route, you will see more information than just the version. The About page shows your device name, processor type, installed RAM, and system type (32-bit or 64-bit). Most of this is background information, but one thing is useful: the "System type" line tells you whether you have a 32-bit or 64-bit system.

A 64-bit system can use more memory and run newer software. A 32-bit system is older and more limited. If you ever need to read a program or update, the website will often ask which type you have — now you know where to find that answer.

The Settings method also shows you when your system was last updated, which gives you a sense of whether your computer is receiving patches regularly. If the date is more than a month old, your system may be set to delay updates, or you may need to restart to finish an installation.

What to do if you cannot find your version

On rare older computers, the winver command may not open a window. If that happens, try the Settings method instead. Go to the Windows icon, click Settings, then System, then About.

If Settings itself will not open, your computer may have a serious problem that goes beyond checking the version. In that case, restart the computer and try again. If it still does not work, you may need to contact someone who repairs computers, because the issue is likely deeper than a missing version number.

For most people, one of the two methods above will work on the first try. The winver command is faster, but Settings is more reliable if your computer is acting unusual.

Why Microsoft stops updating older versions

Every version of Windows has a lifespan. Windows 10 will stop receiving updates in October 2025. Windows 11 will receive updates until October 2031. When that date arrives, Microsoft stops sending security patches, even if new threats are discovered.

This is not arbitrary. Maintaining security patches for dozens of old versions would be impossible — the company would spend all its resources on the past instead of building the future. Instead, Microsoft sets a clear end date and tells people in advance. If you are on an older version, you have had years of warning.

The practical effect is straightforward: if your version is no longer supported, you have two choices. You can upgrade to Windows 10 or 11 (which requires a new computer or a paid license), or you can accept that your computer will not receive patches. Many people choose to keep an older computer offline or use it only for tasks that do not touch the internet.

Checking your update status after you know your version

Once you know your version, you can check whether your computer is up to date within that version. Go to Settings, then System, then Windows Update. Click "Check for updates" and Windows will read any patches you are missing.

If your version is still supported (Windows 10 or 11), this will keep you current. If your version is no longer supported, this button will do nothing — there are no more updates to read.

You should check for updates at least once a month, or whenever you hear about a major security threat on the news. Updates are not optional — they are the main way your computer defends itself against known attacks.

The difference between version and edition

Windows 10 and Windows 11 each come in different editions: Home, Pro, Enterprise, and Education. Your version number (10 or 11) is what matters for security updates. Your edition (Home or Pro) determines which features you have access to.

You can find your edition on the same About page where you found your version. It will say "Windows 10 Home" or "Windows 11 Pro", for example. The edition does not affect whether you receive security patches — both Home and Pro versions of Windows 10 and 11 get updates for the same length of time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my version number is something I have never heard of?

Windows versions are numbered 7, 8, 8.1, 10, and 11. If you see a different number, you may have misread it or your computer may have a problem. Try the winver command again and look carefully at the line that says "Version". It should be one of those five numbers.

Does knowing my version number mean I need to upgrade right now?

Not necessarily. If you have Windows 10 or 11, you are receiving updates and you are protected. You do not need to upgrade until Microsoft stops supporting your version. If you have an older version, you can continue using it, but understand that you will not receive patches for new threats.

Can I change my version number or upgrade for free?

You cannot change the number itself — it is determined by what you installed. Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 requires a new license or a new computer. Some older computers cannot run Windows 11 even if you buy a license, because the hardware is too old.

Why does my build number keep changing?

Your build number changes every time Windows installs a security update. This is normal and good — it means your computer is receiving patches. You do not need to do anything; Windows downloads and installs updates automatically.

Is there a way to see my version without opening any windows or menus?

Not easily. The winver command and the Settings menu are the standard ways. Some people use the command line (cmd.exe) to type systeminfo, which shows version information along with a lot of other technical details, but this is slower than winver for most people.